Halali Dam & Reservoir, Bhopal Overview

Halali Dam is a lakeside reservoir built on the Halali River in Raisen. Formerly known as Thal River, the pristine lake is 47 km from Bhopal to Sanchi is Halali the tributary of Betwa river. The catchment area of this project is around 699 sq km. The colossal dam is quite popular among locals of Bhopal as an excellent spot for picnic and boat rides. Apart from this, the reservoir is home to aquatic life forms such as catla, mrigal, mystus, rohu and chitala.

Also known as Samrat Ashok Sagar Project, the Halali Dam reservoir was commissioned in 1973. The Halali River has an ancient history attached to its name. As stated by the locals, Dost Muhamad Khan a Nawab ruler killed a rival force from Rajput near Jagdishpur on the bank of the tributary. In consequence, since it appeared red with victim's blood, Halali (the river of slaughter) became the name of the river.